Bronx Broken Steps Lawyer

Did You Fall on a Staircase?

If you were injured because of a broken step, lack of handrails, or poor lighting, you need the help of a Bronx broken step lawyer who regularly handles these kinds of cases. Let us explain what you need to know to win your case.

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What are a Property Owner’s Responsibilities Concerning Staircases?

Under New York Law, property owners must maintain their property safe for those who use it. This includes steps and stairways, which are commonly found in residential and commercial properties. Failure to do so results in an owner’s legal responsibility for injuries that occur as a result of the defect.

There are both common law requirements of reasonable care in the maintenance of a staircase, as well as very specific statutory requirements under the New York City Building Code. Specifically, the Building Code sets out a written standard of care that property owners must follow. If the property does not comply with these written standards, the failure to comply can be evidence of negligence.

In fact, Section 28-301.1 of New York City Building Code requires that all buildings, and all parts thereof and all other structures, shall be maintained in a safe condition. Beyond this general requirement, the NYC Building Code also provides for many specific requirements that must be followed by property owners. For example, the width and height of steps of a staircase are specifically regulated by the Code. Ultimately, however, the important question in any staircase fall is whether the staircase was reasonably safe.

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What Are The Most Common Staircase Defects?

Here are four of the most common staircase defects that can cause a person to fall:

Broken Steps: Broken steps can be caused by wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or by defective construction. Property owners are required to maintain and repair broken steps promptly.
Steps of Uneven Height: Steps of uneven height can be caused by poor construction or also by wear and tear. Owners are responsible for ensuring that steps are level and safe for users.
Lack of Handrails: Handrails are an important safety feature, and their absence can lead to falls. Owners must ensure that handrails are installed, secure and regularly maintained on all staircases.
Poor Lighting: Poor lighting can make it difficult to see the steps, which can lead to falls. Property owners must ensure that there is adequate lighting on all staircases.

How Do You Prove A Claim for Broken Stairs?

To successfully prove a personal injury claim resulting from a broken step or handrail, several legal requirements must be established. These requirements include:

Duty: The property owner must have had a legal duty to keep their property safe for those using it.
Breach: The property owner must have breached this duty by failing to maintain the property in a safe condition.
Notice: The dangerous condition must have been known or created by the owner.
Causation: The injury must result from the property owner’s breach of duty.
Damages: The injured party must have suffered damages as a result of the injury.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Fall on Broken Stairs?

If you have been injured due to a defective staircase, there are several things you need to do right away, to help prove your case:

Take photographs: Take photographs of the broken step or handrail that caused your injury as soon as possible. This will help establish the defect and support your claim that it was the cause of your injury.
Seek medical attention: Seek medical attention as soon as possible after your injury. This will create a medical record that documents your injury, which can be used as evidence in your case.
Gather witnesses: If there were any witnesses to your injury, gather their contact information. Witness testimony can be extremely valuable evidence in your case.
Keep a record of your expenses: Keep a record of any expenses related to your injury, such as medical bills or lost wages. This will help to establish the damages you suffered as a result of your injury.
Look for surveillance cameras: Always check to see if your fall occurred near a surveillance video camera. If it did, ask the property owner or manager, in writing, to preserve any surveillance footage that may be relevant to your case.